Healthcare Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Optometrist Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median optometrist salary in Nashville, TN is $128,102 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 12.1% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$128,102
vs State Avg
+$13,815
vs National
+$2,512
Cost of Living
100%

Optometrist Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median optometrist salary of $128,102, which is $13,815 above the Tennessee state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for optometrists in Nashville spans from $79,560 at the 10th percentile to $195,840 at the 90th percentile — a $116,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,640, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,560. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level optometrist earns around $83,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,560
+$2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$181,560
+$3,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $79,560
25th Percentile $102,000
Median (50th) $128,102
75th Percentile $161,160
90th Percentile $195,840

Optometrist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$118,055
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$113,031
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$113,031
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$110,519
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Optometrist in Nashville

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Nashville

Browse open optometrist positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Nashville

How much does a Optometrist make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $128,102 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $79,560 (10th percentile) to $195,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $128,102, a optometrist in Nashville earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Nashville's median optometrist salary of $128,102 is 12.1% above the Tennessee state average of $114,287. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $128,102 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Nashville? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Nashville require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.